Not all people are saints, though of course many people are very good. Maybe we tend to think that only first class Christians are saints, those who have lived exceptionally good or generous lives, and in particular those who have died for their faith.

We may also call people saints even if they make no specific claim to be Christians and yet their lives are exceptionally good and ‘saintly’.

But in the Bible there is not a single saint! I use the word advisedly, for the word is never used in the singular. In fact it uses the word ‘saints’ in a very particular way. It does not use it to describe people of virtue, but people of faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul writes to many churches and always refers to the believers as ‘saints’. Yet so often he is writing because the churches and the people in them are in a mess or falling short of their high calling. They are all therefore regarded as ‘saints’ whether good ones or bad ones. The reason they are called ‘saints’ is because that is how God views them. He sees them not a sinners or merely humans, but as his children, clothed in the righteousness of Christ (Galations 3:26-27).

We too need to adopt a positive attitude towards ourselves. Let’s see ourselves as God sees us, rather than being depressed by our weaknesses and failures. A great sculptor once said that when faced by a large lump of rock or marble he did not see a shapeless and rough mass, but he saw the object to be carved already inside; it was his job to set it free through hammer and chisel. God also sees who we are in Christ and he will bring that potential to the light of day.

Dear Lord, you have such faith in me, more than I have myself. Help me to let you have your way in me and make me into the saint that in Christ I already am. Amen.

New vs Old! Come see our Venerable Old Father Willis (pipe organ) take on Flash-Harry Viscount (electronic organ with all flashing lights and hi-tec gizmos), both joined in battle by Trumpet – 12th July – 3:30-4:40pm. (Tea will be served after the battle!)

This week a meeting was held with David Fothergill, Chairman of Somerset County Council, to plan the civic service to commemorate the 100 years since the beginning of the First World War. The service will be held at St Mary Magdalene’s on Monday 4th August at 2.30pm. It is open to all and we would really like you to come.

Next Saturday (19th July) is the Magdalene Fayre. Are you able to help? We would really appreciate it. Help is needed and we desperately need goods to sell. Do bring them and put them on the pews in the north side of the church. Let us make it a very special day.

The following day is the Patronal Festival and we will be enjoying a barbecue in the garden. We have two barbecue points (Morton Dunn and John Porter) but we really need a third. Can you help with this? Please sign the sheet at the back of church if you are coming. We would love you to be there.

Following on from the highly successful Exmouth/Topsham trip, the next outing is on Sunday 10th August when we shall be having a picnic at Kilve followed by a service at St Mary’s the Virgin. Cream Teas will also be available.

Magdalene Fayre will be held on July 19th from 10.00am-2.00pm. There is a list at the back of church for those able to help, and if you have any items to donate, please bring them into church at the beginning of July. In particular, we would welcome some bottles and tins for the Tombola stall.

Another person raising money for us as a church is John Porter. John is tackling a difficult feat of endurance. He is riding his cycle from John O Groats to Land’s End between 3rd September and 17th September. We would love you to sponsor him. The sponsor sheet is on the table at the back of church.

Don’t forget that at the next Church Family Service, on Sunday 3rd August, we will be welcoming Annie’s horse. Unfortunately Mieke is now unable to do the ride so Annie is bringing Gypsy along for a blessing from Rod, before setting off on their sponsored horse ride around the ringing towers in the Archdeaconry. She hopes to raise lots of money for The Bells of St Mary’s.

Would you like to sponsor Annie and Gypsy as they raise funds towards restoration of the bells of St Mary’s?

Annie will be joined by her sister-in-law, Jo and Oscar the collie, as they embark on a 130-mile ride to the 50 church towers encircling St Mary’s culminating on the 26th August at a Civic Reception in St Mary’s at 2.30pm.